From NBC Universal Media Village

ER

ATONEMENT

01-17-2008 10:01PM

GETTING RID OF THE GUILT- KARI MATCHETT AND REIKO AYLESWORTH GUEST STAR-- Pratt (Mekhi Phifer) gets cold feet when Bettina (Gina Ravera) tries to take their relationship to the next level. Neela (Parminder Nagra) joins the Ortho's hockey team and is shocked to see who they are playing in the first game. A prison doctor comes into the ER after he tried to save a young boy from a freezing lake. Julia (guest star Reiko Aylesworth) tries to help the prison doctor get rid of his guilt after he reveals he gave the lethal injections to criminals on deathrow. Meanwhile, Gates (John Stamos) gets irritated with Sam ( Linda Cardellini) when she undermines his decisions. Scott Grimes also stars.

Show Cast: Linda Cardellini, Parminder Nagra, Mekhi Phifer, Maura Tierney, John Stamos, Scott Grimes, Goran Visnjic

Ok, why isn't Abby in this one? ?!

is it known for sure that this is the last episode ever or is it just the only written script left....will there be more episodes after the writers strike is resolved??!?!

It is the last episode they finished writing(rough draft) before the strike. John Wells and company intend on having meetings with NBC for a possible 15th season but unfortunately the strike has made everything difficult and has put ER's fate in limbo. If the strike causes a cancelation of the rest of the season, NBC might be persuaded to give ER another season that it needs to close all storylines in a satisfying way.

I can't wait to see this episode! How did the writer's strike start anyways?

Rather then have people try and explain it, it's best you just go to their website for information. http://www.wga.org/

JD/Forum Moderator

So has anybody picked up on the thing on the episode description that says: "Neela is surprised to see who she's playing against in her first game" -- Think it'll be Ray?? I guess we'll see.

To bad abby and luka are leaving.....sad...they are really good on the show.

Also ... I just read that the writers are coming to an agreement! So hopefully ER will have and end to this scattered season... and maybe even a season 15+ !

Uhh, you are aware that Ray lost both his legs aren't you? He's still learning how to walk again with the use of prosthetics. I think it's safe to say he won't be playing hockey.

Abby and Luka are not leaving. Abby is going to visit Luka and Joe for a few weeks in Croatia and is returning to finish her residency. Considering that Goran has stated in an interview that he will be returning for at least 3 more episodes, Luka will also be returning.

I'm not sure where you heard the writers are coming to an agreement. Can you please post a link in the general discussion thread so we can see the article you are referring to? Last time I heard, the writers and studios stopped discussions about a month ago and haven't had any talks ever since. So as far as I know, the strike is far from over.

Well it has been a year/ year and half since the accident and possibly could have joined the hockey team to strengthen the use of his prosthetics. I'm not saying that i know for sure its going to be him...but its a possibility.

I know abby and luka aren't done yet....but they are leaving.

And here is the link that says they will meet with the AMPTP - Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers.

http://www.wga.org/subpage_member.aspx?id=2713

You're wrong. It hasn't been a year since the accident. It's only been 8 months. The accident was on May 3 2007 (the night of Abby/Luka's wedding). It takes at least a year to rehab an injury like that and be able to walk without the use of crutches or a cane. So no, it is not possible for him to be playing hockey.

And the article you provided has to do with the Director's Guild and has nothing to do with the writers. The writer's issue is completely seperate. It even stated in the article that they don't represent the writers. The only deal that was struck for writers that the article stated was for CBS news writers and that was actually an issue from way back in 2005 and was not directly connected to the Writer's Guild strike going on now. You should re-read it.

Okay Thank you

I can't wait until Thursday, geez! I'm so addicted to ER now.

[yea this show can get you very hooked trust me. I've been watching it ever sense Doug and Carol were on
and when all the older cast as well:( I miss the old crew still. I mean this season has been good so far and with the dumb writers strike it'll be hard for the die hard ER fans if this show cancel's but i'm not sure it will. I can't wait for thursday etheir looks soo good.

I couldt agree more.. i'm totaly addicted to it. Iam only 17 years (started watching er around dr greens death, not in the US tough), but i have probably watched every episode twice. I am totaly hooked on ER and its sooo sad that its going to end soon

I'm only 14, hahaha! I started watching it as soon as I heard that Linda Cardellini was in it. Then I started to like Maura and Parminder. I thought it was like more of CSI and all those scary stuff but it's not. It is really addicting! haha

Ohh I know, I don't want it to end either, we should go on a strike too, JK!!

Check out these cool scenes of Neela "having fun" in tommorow's episode. http://nbc.epk.tv/weekly-clips.aspx?reques...amp;clip=morris

so is the show really going to end after this season or what? i hope not:(.

nice to know that i am not the only one at my age watching ER. Where I live, I dont know one single person who watch ER. All I hear is that its boring or disgusting.

I am a huge sam fan too (she has been my favorite since she first entered ER), but I hope she dont continue with the altitude towards Abby .. It made me hate her, and I never hated that character before
I hope this episode want include her been that eh.... STUPID

Hey-
does anyone know how to edit you're profile on here? just wondering.

this is probably for an other thread, but....
Ithink you can click on my controls, then edit my personal profile..

ER is so not boring, they are so wrong! haha.
I know huh, Sam's reaction to Abby was a little bit too much, I was kind of disappointed at her for a minute, just a minute, hahaha. I just love Sam.

I'm so glad to see Neela finally having fun and enjoying life. Those hockey scenes were just so hilarious. I loved to see Neela get her revenge on Morris. With that said, I hope Neela finally gets a good storyline. I haven't really been able to connect with her this season.

Did Betina break up with Pratt? I sure hope not. I'm really beginning to like them and I think Pratt is finally coming around to the idea of a committed relationship. Betina should give him another chance. The prison doctor's story was very powerful. I'm glad Pratt stopped him from suicide and convinced him what he did by saving the boy was important. I'm loving Skye and Dubenko. I thought their hot tub scene was.......well, hot!!!!

Well, I guess that's the last we'll be seeing of the chaplain. Her character was pretty kooky but I think she was well intentioned. Ok, I admit, I do find Sam and Gates kinda cute. They belong together anyway since they have so much in common. I still will never embrace Gates character but hey, I'm not complaining.

Overall this was a pretty good episode. This may be the last we see of ER in long time so I hope everyone enjoyed this one.

Can someone tell me who the actor is that played the prison doctor??? Its driving my husband and I crazy because we can't think of his name. thanks!!

Jonathan Banks
http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0052186/
http://movies.yahoo.com/movie/contributor/1800011550

That was definitely the best episode of the season, hands down. It was fantastic. I was interested in the stories and laughing my buns off at the hockey game.

What a great way for the show to go out for the duration of the strike. It really left me wanting more episodes.

Interesting episode; I thought the main case was thought-provoking. A bit bittersweet, knowing it's the last one for at least a long while. I really hope there are more episodes or another season because obviously there are storylines left to be resolved (and not just Reela, although that's a biggie for me), but also because I really don't want to believe that the very last image that the whole series ended on was that of Gates (sorry Gates fans).

The episode was good, I'm saddened by the fact there is no ER for a while. I loved the hockey game Neela rocked. It was the best part of the show. Pratt and Bettina was strange, I think something is going on with her hat she is not telling Pratt. The conversation she was having befoe he came in the room made me think she was either pregnant or dying. Just assuming...

Sam and Gates maybe but sam is getting on my nerves lately, grant it some nurses probably know mr than most docs. But, she kept secong guessing everything, I was screaming at the tv hoping she would shut the (bleep) up.

Overall, I rate the show as 7 out of 10.

My last image will be Harold sinking into his hot tub. He is a hoot.

Gates needs to shave. Hospitals do not allow their employees to sport the HOMELESS look. I want to smear Nair all over his face........

What Julia actually said is that several studies have shown that patients who had others praying for them recovered faster than those who did not have such support. It's true that some studies have found no effect from prayer, but other studies have found a connection, so no final word on this yet (and I suspect there will never be, depending on whom you ask!). By the way, many of these studies involve scientists and researchers from respected universities who are trying to objectively study the power of the mind (not religious fanatics).

I saw the episode just a while ago. LOVE IT!
Sam and Gates look so cute together, haha. And they do have alot in common.

I enjoyed watching the hockey game, Neela can actually play...wow! Morris made me crack up...again! hahaha. J.P. Manoux/Kuzco, haha, is funny in this episode too. They kept making fun of Neela.


Me tooooo!!!
So nobody knows when the next episode gonna be? This makes me mad!

It wont be for a while most likely, they have to write the script, then film it once they writers decide to work again. =/

I enjoyed the episode actually. I found interest in most of the stuff, except thought when the religous man spazzed out on the chaplin it wasn't necesary, and to then have her leave crying? It's something that I thought the workers would be used to.

My favorite part was the Gats & Sam scenes. Especially the end when they kissed.
I really do like the idea of the two of them together.

That's a very interesting theory henia. However, I don't think it is that dramatic. I think it probably has more to do with Betina being in a bad relationship in the past that broke her heart. I remember when she mentioned to Gregg last season in a "Sea Change" that she dated guys like him before that loved the chase but didn't intend to stick around for the long haul. I think she's starting to see some of her painful past experiences creep up with Gregg's hesitation to committ.

Cool clips but there is no way that Neela would be getting ready in the men's locker room. I'm sorry but that is just ridiculous. I just really hope if ER returns that the writers don't try hooking Neela with any of the guys on the Ortho team (especially Grossman). I don't care if she becomes "one of the guys" but that is where it should end. Until Ray can come back, the writers should focus on her as an individual and not try to hook her up with some dude. The guy she has ever had any real chemistry with is Ray. Michael was sweet but they were basically strangers and Tony was just wrong on so many levels.

I thought last night's eppisode was really really entertaining to me. I like the whole story line between the prists and that old guy. I only have a couple of thoughts on this show it left us hanging in a couple of areas. First would be Dr.Pratt and his girlfriend cause we don't know what really happend afterwards.
Also the little boy and the old guy. I just hate this stupid strike cause every thursday night i look forward to watching ER. Just to think it would cancel just SUCKS. It needs to be a long running show like Law and order is. GO ER. Also it sucks no more episode's untill this dumb strike is over. STUPID NBC.

Thank you!!! We knew we knew him we were just having a brown out moment I think!!!

Great episode last night! Loved the hockey game! Loved the hot tub scene at the end! And I am sooo glad that tptb are finally getting Sam and Tony together! Should have been that way since Tony came on the show - they should have NEVER hooked him and Neela up (she belongs with Ray! )

good episode with good character stories mixed with patients stories.

the prison doctor's storyline was really good. the only critisim is how did he get the drugs he was going to use to kill himself. shouldnt there have been someone in there with him or at least watching him. that was really stupid on pratts part to just talk about the relationship between the prison doctor and the boy out in the open like that. he should have looked around to see if the mother was within earing range before just blurting it out. i too think something is wrong with betina. she was acting kinda strange when she was talking to pratt. i know that she was probably just upset but i think there is something more.

i really dont like skye and dubenko together. they're just weird together. that scene with them in the tub and then everybody coming in was very awkward. harold was as usual very funny in this episode. i thought morris was acting a little out of character in this episode. maybe its just me but i thought some of the things he said were very rude and unlike his character. i dont know maybe thats just how he acts when he's playing hockey.

i really love sam and gates together. they are so cute and perfect for each other. but what was with gates' confused look at the end. did he not see that coming

the only thing missing in this episode was abby if this was the last episode ever and abby wasnt in it, i'll be really sad. maura is my favorite actress on the show and she's the main reason i watch the show. i really hope the writier's strike is resolved soon so we can have some closure

Yeah, when they were kissing I was like "I knew it!" hahaha. They look super cute together.

Azgirlygirl was right, they should've made Sam, Tony's love interest when he came to the show.

I hope there are more episodes of ER.
STUPID WRITER'S STRIKE!!!

I loved this episode. The guy who played the prison doctor was excellent in his role. I felt so bad for him because he was just doing his job, and all he wanted was to be forgiven.
The hockey game was hilarious.
As for Gates and Sam, it could be good. Gates seems to have matured alot since the character first came on the show, and Sam could sure use some TLC.

I really enjoyed this episode. I've been an ER fan since day 1, and I think the writers just have a way of telling a story through the characters and delivering a message. And they pull it off without sounding preachy. KUDOS to the ER team!

Spoiler alert!

I liked the little teaser with Sam and Gates. They'd definitely make an interesting pair. Like some other viewers, I found Skye and Dubenko to be an odd match, maybe because I've seen Kari Hatchett in other shows with stronger leading men...I don't know.

What I thought most interesting was the storyline of the prison doctor and the young boy he rescues. The older man's search for forgiveness and redemption was heartbreaking, and his portrayal of a tormented prison doctor who was forced to give a lethal injection to the boy's father was amazing.

This plot certainly begs for discussion. "Who are we to make that decision?" is the question that is asked. It does make you wonder. Is the death penalty humane? Do we have that right? And what about the men who have this job? How do they go about their lives knowing that they've taken someone else's? It's more than a job. It's certainly not the same thing as flipping burgers or selling cars...or writing novels.

~Cheryl Kaye Tardif, suspense author

I know! That's exactly my opinion on it. The hockey scenes were just THE BEST part of it, though! Morris, Neela and HAROLD (OMG!) I looved his "biatch" line at the end.

In fact, I made a video for the 'hockey' parts of the game if any of you would like to check it out:
E.R - What's My Age Again - Surgery Vs. Ortho

As for Sam and Gates, I'm not actually that into the whole pairing of the two of them...

Abby is in croatia with Luka.

wow.. i started watching it when it first came on tv.. i have seen so many good actors leave.. my favorit was dr carter.. man is he ever hot... wish he would come back.. his story took a turn when his girl friend was stabbed by a knife from a psychotic patient during a party..

It would be best to move that discussion to the Past Season's of ER thread and try to keep this thread episode specific.

Thank you.

NBC now has complete episodes available for viewing online at: http://www.nbc.com/ER/video/episodes.shtml

Choose from:

14.11 Status Quo

14.12 Believe The Unseen

14.13 Atonement

Same here, I turned 15 this year and I've been watching since 2004. My original reason for watching was Linda Cardellini but it ended up being for her and Oliver Davis(Sam's son Alex). That is until he was replaced by that new kid. And, like you no one I knew ever watched ER but about a month and a half ago I got my friend hooked on it too.

I totally agree. I mean I'm 15 so I grew up knowing John Stamos(Gates) as Uncle Jesse on Full House and Linda Cardellini(Sam) as Velma in the Scooby Doo movies.Just thinking about Velma and Uncle Jesse kissing is just wierd.

Sam is being really self righteous about Abby's alcoholism. She treated the problem at a treatment center and was never intoxicated at work. Sam's ex is the reason that Luka almost died and Abby almost lost her baby and had to have a hysterectomy. So maybe Sam should just back off because she's far from perfect.

If you put it that way, it is kind of weird haha. But if you think about Linda Cardellini and John Stamos, I think they'll make a cute couple.

Interesting now that we know Abby did drink at work....whoa.....